Operation Brock is once again in force as summer holiday traffic builds on routes to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, prompting Logistics UK to renew calls for a permanent solution to cross-Channel freight congestion.

The business group says the continued reliance on temporary traffic management on the M20 is expensive, inefficient and damaging to UK trade. It argues that public money spent deploying the scheme each year would be better invested in long-term infrastructure capable of managing predictable seasonal demand.

Logistics UK says the issue has persisted despite being well understood for many years and believes the lack of permanent action is placing unnecessary pressure on freight operators, motorists and local communities.

Temporary measures becoming permanent

Operation Brock is designed to manage traffic heading towards Dover and Folkestone during periods of disruption or exceptionally high demand. It uses barriers and contraflow systems on the M20 to separate freight traffic from other vehicles.

However, Logistics UK Head of Trade Policy James Mills believes the continued use of the scheme highlights the absence of a lasting solution.

“Ten years after the Brexit vote, it is deeply frustrating to see public money being spent to deploy temporary cones on the coastbound carriageways our members use every day to export to continental customers,” he said.

“Every cone placed on the motorway costs the public money, funding that could be used to create a permanent solution to manage coastbound traffic at peak times.”

Mills added that the Short Straits remains the quickest and most efficient freight route between the UK and mainland Europe, yet congestion continues to affect movements throughout the year.

“The Short Straits crossing remains the easiest and quickest way to move goods to Europe, but a decade after the country voted to leave the European bloc, we are no closer to a permanent solution to the entirely predictable queues which form during the summer getaways.”

Border friction remains a concern

Logistics UK says congestion has continued despite changes to border processes.

The organisation points to the introduction of the European Union’s Entry and Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamping with biometric checks. While intended to modernise border controls, Logistics UK says delays remain while the system beds in.

Mills said the situation continues to affect exporters, freight operators and holidaymakers alike.

“In fact, the queues have continued, with the European Entry and Exit System (EES) having recently replaced passport stamping with biometric checks before the EU system is working reliably. This is deeply frustrating both for our members, who want to deliver for their customers, and those who want to start their holidays rather than sit in endless queues.”

Falling exports increase the pressure

The organisation says the continued disruption comes at a difficult time for UK exporters.

Analysis commissioned by Logistics UK from transport economists MDS Transmodal indicates that UK export volumes have fallen significantly during the decade since the Brexit referendum.

According to the figures, exports to EU countries have fallen by 15.9% by volume, while exports to the rest of the world have declined by 37.2%.

Mills believes reducing delays on key freight corridors should now be a government priority.

“Against the backdrop of declining UK exports to the EU, it is more important than ever that government does everything possible to reduce friction on our key trading routes,” he said.

“The EU remains our biggest market for goods exports and it is critical that this trade is protected.”

Better facilities needed for drivers

Logistics UK also argues that recurring queues expose a long-standing lack of facilities for professional drivers.

More than half of all goods traded between Great Britain and mainland Europe pass through the Dover and Folkestone crossings, with up to 16,000 freight vehicles using the route every day.

Despite this, the organisation says drivers regularly face lengthy delays without access to toilets, food, refreshments or suitable rest areas.

“HGV drivers heading to the ports, along with coach passengers, motorists and Kent residents, deserve a permanent solution to the recurring congestion that occurs at the border,” Mills said.

He added that this should include “access to food and drink facilities, as well as rest areas and operational toilets, something which workers across the rest of the economy take for granted.”

Investing in a long-term answer

Logistics UK says over £3 million of public money was spent deploying Operation Brock during the past year alone.

The organisation believes that repeated spending on temporary traffic management demonstrates the need for permanent investment that improves resilience on one of the UK’s busiest international freight corridors.

“Operation Brock is an inefficient and expensive workaround for an issue that our sector has been raising with government for years,” Mills concluded.

“Our members have had enough of bollards. They deserve a proper solution.”

More Information

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